Product Description

The new edition of this core text has been thoroughly revised and updated in light of the latest developments in the field. The original structure of the book has been improved and new material has been added. Covering the key theoretical approaches in modern literary theory, the text includes those essays and documents that are essential reading for students of critical theory, with sections on: formalism and structuralism; marxism; feminism; gender and subjectivity; histories and textuality; postmodernism; postcolonialism.



For the first time, the reader also includes extracts from seminal texts by authors such as Marx, Freud, and de Beauvoir - texts which do not necessarily focus on literature but which have had a fundamental influence on the development of literary theory. In addition, the text now includes a section on issues and debates. Focusing not on authors or approaches but rather on leading questions in critical debate, the extracts in this section present opposing points of view on the same issue: Is literary criticism an ethical act? Martha Nussbaum vs Emmanuel Levinas: Is the canon a timeless assembly of great works? Terry Eagleton vs Harold Bloom: Is literature what the academy says it is? Edward Said vs Stanley Fish: Literature and the philosophy of science: Richard Rorty vs Donna Harraway

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #160515 in Books
• Published on: 2001-05-04
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 512 pages

About the Author
Patricia Waugh, Durham University, UK
Philip Rice, formerly at Coventry University, UK

Customer Reviews

essential reading for english literature students
whether or not you are choosing theory courses in a literature degree, theory is inescapable. this book is essential for the second year, but i would recommend dipping into it earlier if you can, as it does cover a wide range of topics from marxism etc. right through to the more modern cyborg theory.
it is hard going but don't be discouraged, this only means you will have to re-read the extracts that interest you. i also found the introductions before each new theory were very helpful.

tough going but very comprehensive
for university courses, this book is a must. some theories require the accompanying teachings of a professional, but if you can spare the time to really focus and immerse yourself in it, you will be rewarded.